CPL 2019, Match 18, St Lucia Zouks vs Trinbago Knight Riders, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The Trinbago Knight Riders were going great guns, having won four matches in succession in this edition’s CPL. But St Kitts and Nevis Patriots ended their streak at the Warner Park, edging them out in a Super Over. However, Kieron Pollard and Co are in second position and are firm favourites to qualify for the playoffs. Their next match is against the St Lucia Zouks at the Beausejour Stadium.

The Zouks, led by Daren Sammy, on the contrary, have lost four matches apart from their solitary victory over the Jamaica Tallawahs. The 71-run defeat against the Barbados Tridents would’ve dented their confidence to a large extent. On head to head, the Knights have won 10 out of their 12 games over the Zouks. Moreover, the Zouks have lost all their four matches versus TKR at home.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in the first match was a batting-friendly one. It had a fair bit for the spinners, but run-making wasn’t all that tough. The Zouks’ batters couldn’t make use of the favourable conditions though. There is no forecast of rain during match-time with the temperature around the 27 degrees Celsius mark. There will be a fair amount of dew, especially in the second half.

Team Combinations

St Lucia Zouks

The Zouks have promised in bits and pieces, but haven’t been consistent enough owing to which they are placed in the fifth position of the points table. Andre Fletcher is yet to get going. Even Rahkeem Cornwall, who started the tournament with a few blistering knocks, has failed in the last few matches. Colin Ingram, who replaced Thisara Perera, flattered to deceive in the first game.

Colin de Grandhomme hasn’t been able to continue after promising with the bat. Hardus Viljoen has churned out some handy knocks down the order, nevertheless, is yet to make an impact with his pace and ferocity. Obed McCoy has lost his rhythm a wee bit after getting four wickets in the Zouks’ first game. Fawad Ahmed and Kesrick Williams have been impressive, but need enough support.

Probable XI

Andre Fletcher (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Roland Cato, Kavem Hodge, Colin de Grandhomme, Colin Ingram, Daren Sammy (C), Hardus Viljoen, Kesrick Williams, Obed McCoy, Fawad Ahmed

Trinbago Knight Riders

Sunil Narine missed the last match due to an injury and Mark Deyal replaced him. Though the latter did well with the bat, the bowling unit felt Narine’s absence. James Neesham bowled the most expensive CPL spell on his birthday and TKR failed to defend a target well above 200. Mohammad Hasnain was replaced by Anderson Phillip, who managed to build pressure with regular wickets.

Lendl Simmons is in the form of his life and even Colin Munro hasn’t taken much time in flexing his muscles. Pollard has been pretty consistent in the middle and has also chipped in with useful overs. On a track that may assist the spinners, Pierre and Prasanna’s role will be critical. Ali Khan has bowled with pace and venom, though he couldn’t deliver in the one-over eliminator in St Kitts.

Probable XI

Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine/Mark Deyal, Colin Munro, Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin (wk), James Neesham, Seekkuge Prasanna, Khary Pierre, Ali Khan, Anderson Phillip

Probable Top Performers

Colin Ingram – St Lucia Zouks | Colin Munro– Trinbago Knight Riders

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 2

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 05:30 IST (September 22) and 20:00 local (September 21)

The prediction is for Trinbago Knight Riders to win the match.